Montefiore News Releases

News Releases

Montefiore New Rochelle, Montefiore Mount Vernon and Schaffer Extended Care Center Open at Former Site of Sound Shore Health System

Expansion in Westchester Provides Local Community Easy Access to Exceptional Coordinated Care

NEW YORK (November 6, 2013) – Montefiore Health System (Montefiore) today announced the opening of Montefiore New Rochelle, Montefiore Mount Vernon and Schaffer Extended Care Center at the former Sound Shore Health System (SSHS) facilities. Programs and services the community has relied on will continue, the majority of jobs will be preserved and the surrounding businesses will continue to benefit from ongoing operations. Additionally, nursing students will be able to continue their education at the School of Nursing.

"We plan to revitalize healthcare delivery in New Rochelle and Mount Vernon by keeping care local and bringing Montefiore's expertise as an integrated healthcare delivery system and academic medical center," said Steven M. Safyer, M.D., president and chief executive officer at Montefiore Health System. "We will build on each hospital's strengths and expand ambulatory care to improve the health of the community. I am particularly excited we are able to continue the School of Nursing and advance nursing excellence."

Montefiore, the university hospital for Albert Einstein College of Medicine, will provide integrated access to its notable Centers of Excellence, including research-driven, multidisciplinary and comprehensive care, over 450 active clinical trials and innovative treatments.

Montefiore has invited all physicians previously affiliated with SSHS to apply for an appointment to practice at Montefiore New Rochelle and Montefiore Mount Vernon. These physicians and their staff are anchors in their communities and serve as the platform for advancing care in and around Mount Vernon and New Rochelle. The medical residency program will continue at Montefiore New Rochelle.

"Montefiore is committed to aligning efforts with private practice physicians. They are an integral part of both hospitals," said Andrew D. Racine, M.D., Ph.D., senior vice president and chief medical officer at Montefiore. "These physicians serve their community well and we look forward to working with them to ensure uninterrupted care."

Montefiore has hired all eligible and qualified staff and has worked closely with 1199SEIU, NYSNA and Teamsters Local 445 to ensure a smooth transition. With the addition of the newly hired staff, Montefiore now employs more than 20,000 associates.

Montefiore plans to make infrastructure improvements that will enhance efficiency and patient experience. To promote the highest standards of excellence, technology improvements will be made to ensure patient care is integrated and consistent.

"Change takes time, but we are committed to improving these hospitals and creating environments that foster excellence in patient care and accountability to the communities we serve," Dr. Safyer said. "We will look to community leaders and elected officials to inform our response to community needs. The doctors, nurses and hospital staff have shown admirable dedication to their patients and we will work with them to reach new levels of exceptional patient care."

In addition to the new campuses in New Rochelle and Mount Vernon, Montefiore operates nine health facilities in Westchester providing primary and specialty care such as cardiology, neurology and women's health. Montefiore has two existing business campuses located in Yonkers and Tarrytown where more than 1,600 associates currently work. In the second half of 2014, Montefiore also is opening a new pathology lab in Mount Vernon with an additional 300 employees.